Understanding the Parables

Posted on August 9, 2026 
Filed under Resources

From Michael Leong at The Expository Preaching Trust –

“Parables have often superficially been compared to sermon illustrations – both seem to relate spiritual truths to earthly events, using contemporary language and metaphors (e.g., those of agriculture, construction, and human relationships). One member of my congregation shared her definition of a parable as ‘an earthly story with a heavenly meaning.’

It’s too simplistic, however, to say that, ‘Jesus used sermon illustrations when he spoke in parables, therefore we also should use sermon illustrations in our preaching.’

Mark 4:10-20 says that the purpose of parables is very different to our illustrations…”

– and he advertises their Wahroonga Preaching Conference coming up on Monday 7th September, with a focus on understanding and preaching from the parables.

Speakers include David Cook, Chris Edwards, Simon Manchester and Michael Leong.